Meet Barbarian Strength

Do you know Josh Hewett?  If not, you better read up!  You are going to see his name popping up more often in strength training!

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Could you tell us a little about yourself and your strength training background?

At the age of 17, I was 6 feet tall and a skinny 150 lbs, so I started working out to put on a little muscle.  I always wanted to be bigger and stronger and I idolized guys like Arnold, Louie, Kazmier, and Sigmarsson. 

Through a lot of self-study, trial and error, and training with much stronger guys, I began to understand what really worked regarding strength training.  By the time I was in university I weighed over 240 lbs and decided to compete in powerlifting.  I loved it.  I even founded a university powerlifting club.  Soon after, a friend introduced me to strongman training and competition.  I had always watched the World’s Strongest Man on TSN, but I had never imagined I would ever compete myself.  To me, this sport encompassed the best elements of every strength sport: strength, power, speed, athleticism, and even endurance.  Not to mention the camaraderie these athletes share. I entered my first strongman contest in PEI in 1998 and was hooked ever since.  CLICK TO CONTINUE READING!

Continue reading Meet Barbarian Strength…

More Hip Mobility? Yes Please!

I put this video up 10 months ago, but there is no need to try something crazy if the classic stuff works!  Simplicity is king when it comes to proper warmups.  I’ve seen some really crazy things during dynamic warmups, most of which are not necassary. 

These hip mobility drills are so simple and quick to do, there is no real good excuse not to do them! 

Add these drills twice a week to your program and get your hips more mobile.   Keep your warm up simple and effective and then get to the meat of your program – throwing around heavy weights with great form!

Hip Mobility For EVERYONE

Do me a favor if you like the video, go over to my youtube and rate this 5 stars! Thanks.

- Joe Hashey, CSCS –

The Importance of Building Relationships

Short and sweet post today!  I am down in New Jersey for Fast Track to Fitness Millions with Jim Smith and Jedd Johnson of the Diesel Crew.  It has been a great experience, and I am meeting tons of new people. 

For those readers of Synergy Athletics, I am truly flattered about all the comments and feedback I have received here about Bull Strength.  This weekend has highlighted the importance of talking fitness with some great minds. 

Here is the short and sweet revolutionary idea – Be generous with what you know, and be good to others!  Whoa, not as revolutionary as you have hoped, but its often over looked.  Don’t approach others in hopes that they can do something for you, but try to help them out and chances are it will be returned to you! 

When you hit the gym, sports field, work, or where ever, help others out!  Bring the knowledge, and your life will go a lot smoother. 

That’s it!  Back to talking with some of the greatest minds in fitness and marketing. 

Oh, and last, thank YOU!  All the people that visit Synergy Athletics daily and comment on all the content that I am giving away really pushes me to deliver! 

- Joe Hashey, CSCS -

How to NOT Use Overspeed Training

First, a video from my buddy Matt at Phelps Training on some of his boys using overspeed training in a proper manner.  As with group training, some people got it right, others will get it with a little more work (plus they have Matt, who knows what he is doing, running the ship)

What Overspeed Training IS

They are using bungees, I don’t know the brand, but I have a few called Viper Cords here. They are a good tool to get the body moving faster than normal – neuromuscular adaptations. Good work Matt.

What Overspeed Training IS NOT

Obviously the second one is a joke, but go ahead and Youtube “Overspeed Training” and you will find tons of crap out there. The problem is, younger athletes, or untrained/poorly trained athletes will lean out or use a heel breaking effect to mess with some running mechanics.

We rarely use this, as most athletes need acceleration first, ie, most football positions, basketball and basketball players, etc. They need short bursts, so I tend to favor resistance running as opposed to assistance.

- Joe Hashey, CSCS -

Hows Your Mobility?

Two New Videos at my StrengthVIP YouTube - check it out and subscribe!

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Mobility is extremely important for athletes.  Many athletes, including myself, get tight hips, low backs, and hamstrings.  If you do not include mobility drills into your program, then the issues won’t go away. 

As shown in the hip picture above, connection is a ball and socket joint, similar to your shoulder.  These joints are made for movement. 

Improving mobility has to be a conscious effort and plan.   You won’t go into a gym not knowing what to lift (at least you shouldn’t), then you certainly shouldn’t take that approach to improving flexibility and mobility.  It has to be planned. 

Here are some drills that I have used to work on mobility.  The hip skips are practical to use during a dynamic warm up of a sports team.  The knee raise and rotates can be used for beginners, or if there is not hurdles and power racks available for your groups. 

The hurdle mobility drills (further shown in my other hip mobility video) are great for giving you a marker to step over and move around.  I would recommend including one of these drills to go along with your knee circles, hip raises, etc. 

Hip Mobility Drills

 
Want a simple drill for hamstring and glute flexibility – Check this out at =====>  Two New Videos Over At StrengthVIP.  Subscribed yet?  Tons more to come!

- Joe Hashey, CSCS -